VIDEO: GENIUS Move Or Is It A Stretch? Toyota Channels 1960s S800 To Show Off Scion FR-S

With automakers, tradition and legacy is a BIG deal when it comes to all-new products. Not just from a marketing perspective but also through the lens of product development. Hell, Porsche is essentially a brand built solely on legacy and its storied past.

That saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," exists for a good reason.

When Volkswagen introduced the MKV GTI it spoke about a return to the roots of the MKI GTI, when BMW introduced the 1-Series it continuously brought up the 2002, and now Toyota is ready to introduce the Scion FR-S and it is evoking the spirit of the S800. Cue the sound of a record being scratched.

While VW and BMW spoke of widely known products that still burn fire in loyalist's hearts, the S800 is a car that was never shipped outside of Japan. Only a little more than 3,100 examples were created. The good news though is that it does share some traits with the FR-S as it also features a boxer engine, emphasized lightweight construction and agility, and also was considered an "economy" car.

That said, we're curious if you think this was a GENIUS move or a bit of a STRETCH when it comes to comparing the S800 to the FR-S.


TOYOTA 86 on the road, test drive behind the scenes.

freeagent - 12/27/2011 9:26:45 PM

+3 Boost

Genious. No one will know about the S800, but the video works and trotting out the old one leaves the impression Toyota's been at this for a long time.

dlin - 12/28/2011 1:30:29 AM

+1 Boost

It sounds nice in NA form. I wonder how it sounds w/ supercharger.

enthusiastx11 - 12/28/2011 12:52:47 PM

-2 Boost

a silly move of revisionist history. you said it yourselves..."
While VW and BMW spoke of widely known products that still burn fire in loyalist's hearts." how is a car that nobody has heard of--and was never even exported from japan--going to stir up emotion???

knowitall1985 - 12/28/2011 1:17:48 PM

+2 Boost

They won't be able to make them fast enough.....